IATP Statewide Conference 2019

Discover the Possibilities

Acquisition of AT and DME Utilizing IATP Programs

Robin Richard, Nikki Schultz, Jane Teeter, and Zack Wright

Who is IATP?

The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) is a not-for-profit agency that promotes the availability of assistive technology (AT) devices and services for people with disabilities. IATP serves all people with disabilities in the state of Illinois, their families, service providers, state agencies, private industry, educators, and other interested individuals, regardless of age or income.

Demonstration CenterIATP has an eight room demonstration center that showcases a large variety of AT.

• Aids to Daily living, hearing, and recreation

• Vision

• Computer Access

• Communication

• Kitchen

• Bedroom

• Bathroom

• Toys and Sensory

Demonstrations Provide

• Hands on exploration of AT

• Low tech solutions

• Information on latest technology

• Resource information

• Vendor sources

Demonstration Center Helps• Individuals with disability

• Family members or friends of individuals with disability

• Care givers

• Service providers

• State Agencies

• Educators

• Students learning about technology

• Everyone

Vision RoomVision room includes devices to help individuals who have low vision or who are blind. This room includes items such as magnifiers, video magnifiers, talking devices, devices that read, wearables, and so much more.

Aids to Daily Living, Hearing and RecreationThis room includes many items to help people who are hard of hearing or deaf. It also has many items for daily living activities including writing, environmental controls, and recreation.

Computer AccessThe computer access room has devices that help with accessing the computer for all different types of disabilities. These devices include software, keyboards, mice, desks, seating and more.

CommunicationThe Communication Room has devices to help people communicate. We have many AAC devices including low tech, mid tech and high tech. We have deaf communication ideas ,voice amplifiers and more.

KitchenThe kitchen is set up to show different ideas to make eating and cooking easier for a variety of disabilities.

BedRoomThe Bedroom is set up to show different devices that can make living independent easier. These devices include lift chairs, different types of clocks, bed aids and even adapted video game ideas.

BathroomThe bathroom has many devices for grooming, toileting, showering, bathing, dressing aids, medicine reminders, health aids and more.

Toy and Sensory RoomThe Toy and Sensory Room has a large variety of access switches, switch adapted toys, learning toys, and many different types of sensory toys.

Please come join us for a tour of IATPThe guided tour takes you through all eight rooms. You get to have hands on exploration of the different devices that you see. End the Tour with a jump in our large adult friendly ball pit.

IATP Statewide Conference 2019

Discover the Possibilities

Device LoanAssistive technology (AT) allows people with disabilities to function

independently in recreation, education, vocation and daily living activities. How do you determine what will or will not work for you?

That’s easy . . . You try it out!

The Device Loan Program provides an opportunity to borrow devices to:• Determine compatibility between user and device

• Use as a backup while waiting for repair

• Conduct evaluations by therapists

People who benefit from the Device Loan Program include:• Individuals with disabilities

• Family members

• Therapists

• Service providers

• Educators

Device loans are

• Free, except for the return shipping

• 5 weeks long

• Available to anyone in Illinois

• Shipped at no cost to the borrower

Types of devices in the lending library

• Vision

• Hearing

• Speech Communication

• Learning, Cognition & Development

• Mobility, Seating & Positioning

• Daily Living

• Environmental Adaptations

• Computers and Related

How to borrow

• Online www.iltech.org under the Try a Device Link

• Call IATP to have a device loan request form mailed or e-mailed

• Visit IATP to fill out the form in person

Consumer success

• My experience with the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) in Springfield exceeded my expectations in each step of the process of AAC. I was impressed with the speed and efficiency of communication from the very first email inquiry. Each person with whom I spoke was courteous and knowledgeable. The team's ability to immediately connect me to resources was much appreciated. I was thankful for the expertise from the SLP who evaluated my student and also pleased with the respectful collaboration we shared. Written reports and loaner devices were received more quickly than expected and instructions were easy to follow for device return and new device funding. I highly commend the IATP for their professionalism, expertise and courteous service to me, my student and his family. This thank you note below was dictated by him, then he signed it and drew arms for a great big hug to you!

IATP Statewide Conference 2019

Discover the Possibilities

Reutilization

Gently used assistive technology and durable medical equipment.

Why Reuse Equipment?• Can’t afford to purchase and do not qualify for coverage.

• Those who do qualify have long wait periods or cannot afford co-pays.

• Recycling keeps unused equipment out of landfills.

• Individuals sometimes need the same equipment at a second location (such as home and work).

• Often equipment is needed for a short period of time, like in the case of recovering from an injury. By the time you rent equipment, you’ve usually paid the purchase price.

• Often people have an old device that they are used to and if something happens to it, they want the same device (AAC especially) aging out of school.

Acquisition of equipment to the Agency –Where does it come from?• Family members

• Retirement homes

• Schools

• Hospitals

• Vendors

• Social Service Agencies

• People are so grateful that they literally go to good will and habitat to get equipment to donate to us

Who Qualifies for Equipment?

• Who qualifies?

• Illinois resident, any age, any disability

• Be sure to explore all avenues before requesting equipment/devices (insurance, medicare, medicaid).

• No income guidelines.

Where and how do we get equipment?

ANY WAY WE CAN!

How do we determine what is appropriate equipment for consumer• Use therapists whenever possible.

• On simple pieces of equipment, check out youtube, reference manufacturer information online.

• High percentage of consumers are being sent by a Physician.

• Often found what works from Demo Center or Device Loan.

• Gather information from vendors.

Safety of equipmentAquaphase.

Physically checking that all parts are in working order and hardware is tightened.

Checking for recalls.

How to find the right match of equipment to consumer• Work with therapists whenever possible.

• We check with our staff Rehab Engineer or have customer hire a seating and positioning evaluator when it is a complex chair or device.

• Utilize our relationships with vendors

Memorable customersElnora has a print disability. She was able to utilize 3 of the agencies programs to assist her.

PatrickPatrick had aged out of school. Unfortunately, his communication device would have to stay there.

MarlaMarla is blind and was losing her hearing. IATP had a solution.

The Simons lose their only transportationThe Simons were in a very serious car accident.

They both needed an accessible vehicle due to health problems.

The Simons with their donated vanA generous donor called shortly after the accident. She was going to sell the vehicle, but after hearing the story, decided to donate.

Numbers for 2018

Total devices exchanged – 1,016

Catetories used most:

Vision – 112

Mobility – 349

Daily living – 479

Savings to consumers if they bought new: $414,334.

Questions / discussion

• We encourage any questions you have about the programs. Please don’t hesitate to ask.